Inspector Morse actor Kevin Whately reveals memories of John Thaw

Whately played Robbie Lewis in the Oxford-based crime drama Inspector Morse, alongside John Thaw, between 1987 and 2000.

He reprised the role of Robbie Lewis in the ITV drama Lewis, alongside Laurence Fox, and the series ran from 2006 to 2015.

READ MORE: Busy A34 slip roads to have temporary traffic lights

John Thaw, who will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Colin Dexter’s creation Endeavour Morse, died from throat cancer in 2002, and Whately, who was awarded the OBE last year, said he still missed him “terribly”.

“He was like a brother to me,” he added.

Whately, who lives in Buckinghamshire, is appearing in The Importance of Being Earnest at Garsington Opera from July 10. He said he had realised something was wrong in the run-up to John Thaw’s death.

He told the Telegraph: “While we were shooting the last film (a special, broadcast in 2000) he kept saying, ‘I don’t feel good, I don’t feel right.’

“And then we both did a charity event on the South Bank, in which he had to sing, and he was struggling with his voice. That was the beginning of it.

“He was diagnosed right after that. He went sort of underground a bit to lick his wounds, and didn’t come out much, but I saw him a couple of times before he died.”

John Thaw in Inspector Morse (Image: ITV)

Over the years, Whately shared a trailer with Thaw, and spent many hours with him on set.

He recalled: “Those glowering eyebrows could be very intimidating.

“But once you got to know him, which could take a couple of years, you realised what a wonderful raconteur he could be.”

The cast of Lewis (Image: ITV)

From 2006 to 2015, Whately starred in the Inspector Morse sequel, Lewis, alongside Laurence Fox, and they were in touch recently.

“I spoke to him on the phone last year when he was getting married. I haven’t seen him for a couple of years though. I’m not a fan of his politics.”

The actors discussed politics from time to time.

Laurence Fox with Kevin Whately (Image: ITV)

Whately added: “We did, and because he knew that I was a bit of a Lefty I thought he just said things to wind me up. I loved Laurence.

“He was good fun to work with and he was a very, very good actor. But his life took over. It’s a great shame for the acting industry.”

For many years, Kevin Whately was a familiar face during filming on Oxford streets and would stop and chat to fans and passers-by.

The actor first made his name playing Neville in the 1980s comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

When he was awarded the OBE in January last year, Christopher Sullivan, who runs a website dedicated to the Morse, Lewis and Endeavour TV series, said: “It’s wonderful to know that Kevin is not just being recognised for his charity work with organisations such as Action for Children and The Alzheimers Society, but also for the joy he has brought to many people through his varied acting roles.

“In particular, his role as Robbie Lewis in the Morse and Lewis series. Those series were watched by millions and Kevin, and his portrayal of Lewis, is loved by millions. This is a well-deserved honour.”